Ford has no qualms about charging nearly $23,000 for a fully loaded 2011 Fiesta, which is smaller than the Focus. The Fiesta sedan, which goes on sale this summer, starts at $13,995, including shipping. The Fiesta, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission, gets 40 mpg on the highway.

We have video of the 2014 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe – effectively a baby 6 Series Gran Coupe – the new flagship for the BMW 3 / 4 Series range. Yes, every car maker on the planet is seeking new sales by offering more and more niche models, and BMW is no different. The best-selling BMW 3 Series range is due to be extended with a new 4 Series range of models that will offer the coupe and cabriolet versions of the 3 Series, including a car that could be considered a niche too far – the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Lotus has confirmed details for its new inhouse V8 engine family, which will make its first road car appearance in the 2013 Esprit. Responding to feedback which said the 'New Era' plan to launch five new models was weakened by its reliance on Toyota engines, the new management team decided last Christmas to design and develop its own engine. 'The feedback from customers was "how can you justify a £100,000 car with a Toyota engine?",' said chief executive Dany Bahar.